6 tigers from Ark. refuge moved to Eureka Springs

The big cats were sent to the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge this week. The cats' owner says her failing health made it difficult to care for the tigers.

Associated Press

Six tigers from a Mountainburg shelter have a new home at a wildlife refuge in Eureka Springs.

The big cats were sent to the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge this week. The cats' owner says her failing health made it difficult to care for the tigers.

Turpentine Creek's Tanya Smith says it's a major operation to bring the cats to the Eureka Springs refuge. Smith tells Fayetteville television station KHOG (http://is.gd/kXOpja ) that each tiger eats 10 to 15 pounds of meat each day.

Turpentine Creek takes care of more than 100 animals, including big cats, black bears and a grizzly bear. Animal curator Emily McCormack says the new big cats will stay in a temporary enclosure until a 400-acre natural habitat is built.